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Surgery set for Brew Crew's Gonzalez

Surgery set for Brew Crew's Gonzalez

NEW YORK -- Brewers shortstop Alex Gonzalez will undergo surgery Thursday to repair the torn ligament in his right knee, a procedure likely to end his first season with Milwaukee.

Gonzalez tore his ACL sliding into second base on May 6 and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. An MRI scan two days later confirmed the tear, but doctors had to wait until swelling in the knee subsided before scheduling surgery.

Dr. William Raasch, the Brewers' head physician, will perform the surgery in Milwaukee.

The injury ruined a promising start for Gonzalez, 35, who will not have an opportunity to vest a $4 million option for 2013. Gonzalez would have needed 525 plate appearances. But the Brewers could exercise the option if they choose.

The team's other injured starting position player, first baseman Mat Gamel, remains in a holding pattern. He tore his right ACL during the same road trip. Gamel was hurt on May 1, and the damage is so significant that a surgery date has yet to be set.

Assistant general manager Gord Ash said Gamel also has damage to his MCL that will heal without surgery, and some bone bruising that may be causing the continued swelling.

"While it's in the initial stages if healing, it's too delicate to do the surgery on it," Ash said.